“A collection of profound and epic album reviews and musical articles by former astronaut and brain surgeon, Alasdair Kennedy. Reaching levels of poetry that rival Keats and Blake, the following reviews affirm Alasdair to be a prodigy, a genius and a god whose opinion is always objectively right. He is also without a doubt the most modest man in the universe.” - Alasdair Kennedy

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Friday, 23 February 2018

BEST AND WORST NEW TRACKS OF THE WEEK 24/02/2018: Higher Brothers, Father John Misty, All Hail Hyena! and more…

This
week I explore popular genres such as Chinese hip hop and queer hardcore punk.

THE BEST:

‘Trickery’ – Higher Brothers

If
you’ve ever wondered what Jamiroquai would sound like with Chinese rapping over
the top, well, it’s your lucky day. Backed by a deliciously funky bassline,
these fun-loving Far East rappers deliver some smooth bars and a catchy hook (I
say ‘catchy’, although I’d probably struggle to sing along to it). If you like this song, you should definitely
check out some of the other Asian acts currently being pushed by music marketing
group 88rising. I predict an Asian invasion of western hip hop in the imminent
future.

‘Black
Professional’ – N.ave

Philly
artist N.ave works in a professional office environment by day, whilst crafting
hip hop music by night. There aren’t many rappers who’ll admit that. In fact, I’m
sure few upcoming rappers can make such a claim. With his new track ‘Black
Professional’, the title track from his new EP, N.ave confronts the obsession
with wanting more from life. It’s a track that many of us can relate to,
accompanied by a gorgeous beat.

‘Mr Tillman’ – Father John Misty

Josh
Tillman (AKA Father John Misty) has written a new song about himself seemingly going
through a mental breakdown, delivered from the perspective of begrudging hotel
staff: ‘oh, and a reminder of our policy/
don’t leave your mattress in the rain if you sleep on the balcony’. The
lyrics contain Tillman’s signature mix of humour and depression. It’s
definitely got Elton John vibes too.

‘Capitulate’ – Hit Bargain

Self-proclaimed
queencore act Hit Bargain hail from LA and write songs that confront queerness
and sex. This new dark and urgent song tackles consent, sung from the desperate
voice of someone reluctantly giving in to sex whist frantic dissonant guitars
play out sinisterly in the background.

‘Stranger’s Song’ – All Hail Hyena

The pyjama-wearing
indie punks are back with a new drummer and a new video for their single ‘Stranger’s
Song’. Short bursts of guitar make up the catchy verses, accompanied by
typically barmy lyrics.

THE WORST:

‘Bastards’ – Machine Head

Political
folk metal is a bold new direction for Machine Head and one that I never hope
to hear again.